Three Kebbi State Senators Defect from PDP to APC Amid Wave of Political Shifts
In a significant political development, three serving senators from Kebbi State, who were elected under the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move, formalized after a high-profile meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Friday, underscores the ongoing realignment of political forces in Nigeria.
The defecting lawmakers are Senators Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central; Yahaya Abdullahi, representing Kebbi North; and Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South.
They were escorted to the meeting by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC. This gathering marks a pivotal moment for the senators, who have now pledged allegiance to the governing party, citing opportunities for better governance and development in their state.
The meeting, held at the presidential villa, also drew the attendance of key political figures, including Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, and Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.
Sources close to the event described it as a strategic discussion on national issues, with the defection emerging as a natural outcome of the senators’ alignment with the APC’s vision.
This defection is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of lawmakers and political heavyweights shifting from the PDP to the APC in recent weeks.
Political analysts suggest that such moves are driven by a combination of factors, including the APC’s dominance at the federal level, access to resources, and the potential for enhanced influence in state and national politics.
Earlier this month, similar defections were reported in other states, raising questions about the PDP’s ability to maintain its stronghold amid internal divisions and the allure of the ruling party’s platform.
In a statement released by the APC following the meeting, National Chairman Ganduje welcomed the new members, emphasizing that their decision would strengthen the party’s position in the Northwest region. “The addition of these distinguished senators reflects the growing confidence in President Tinubu’s administration and its agenda for economic renewal and security,” Ganduje said.
While the senators themselves have not yet issued personal statements, their presence at the meeting is seen as a clear endorsement of the APC’s policies.
The defection could have immediate implications for Kebbi State, where the APC already holds the governorship under Dr. Nasir Idris. With all three senatorial districts now represented by APC members, the party may consolidate its control over legislative matters at both state and federal levels.
However, critics from the PDP have labeled the move as opportunistic, arguing that it undermines democratic principles and voter mandates.
As Nigeria navigates economic challenges and prepares for future elections, this wave of defections highlights the fluid nature of party politics in the country.
The PDP, once a dominant force, now faces the task of regrouping to counter the APC’s expanding influence. Political observers will be watching closely to see if more lawmakers follow suit, potentially reshaping the balance of power in the National Assembly.
This report is based on information from official sources and eyewitness accounts of the meeting. Neither the PDP nor the defecting senators have provided immediate comments on the development.